The 2017 Arthur Murray All-Star Spotlight: Stephen O'Neill-Williams
Name: Stephen O'Neill-Williams
Studio: Arthur Murray Toronto-Yorkville
Year Started with Arthur Murray: 2007, 10 Years ago baby!
Furthest you've made it in All-Stars Before Now: Drumroll please.... I was the top runner-up Teacher in The Finals in Vegas a few years back! Thank you thank you. I couldn't have done it without the fans. On top of that, I've made it to the finals as a Specialist, and last as a Supervisor.
Position: Supervisor
What is the AM All-Star Competition?
The Arthur Murray All-Stars is a skills competition for every level of professional within each location around the world. The goal is to grow, develop, and reveal the professionals that demonstrate the best customer service, communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork skills. The competition begins in each studio and winners advance to small region, or District, competitions. From there the District winners advance to the large region, or Area, competition. Finally, the Area winners advance to the World Championships in Las Vegas where each Area team tests and one team is pronounced the winner.
More importantly, the real winners are the students of the Arthur Murray Dance Studios as these tests, and accompanying training, help to deliver better communication, teamwork, problem solving, and confidence from every member of the staff.
AML: First off, congratulations on moving on to the finals in Las Vegas. How did you react when the announcement was made?
SOW: First off, thank you! It really does mean a lot to me. At fall forum, I was competing alongside a top teacher from my studio. The both of us had won last year for our respective categories, so we were sure they wouldn't pick us again this year. When they called Nina's name (Cristina Hare) for Top Teacher, I was so proud of her, and I just thought that they wouldn't pick BOTH of us again.
Sure enough, two years in a row, Nina and are representing Area 4! We are both so humbled and proud for this opportunity again.
AML: How did you feel going into the Semi-Finals?
SOW: Prepared. This year's material was fantastic and extremely usable. Having trained and applied so much to the culture of our studio, it was very easy to apply during the competition.
AML: What kind of last minute did you do prepare? Was there a pep talk? Did you do yoga in the hallway? Give us the scoop!
SOW: I went in assuming that I wasn't trying to say the "right answers." I was trying to give an accurate representation of how I would handle the situation using all the tools I've learned over the years from so many great Arthur Murray trainers. So, I guess, I just decided I needed to give them the best version of me!
I also wore a suit that was special to me; I flew in a few hours before the actual competition, so I could work out, eat something healthy, and connect with what I thought my strengths were.
No hallway yoga necessary.
AML: How has this process made you a better professional?
SOW: Every year I learn so much, both from the material and about myself. It's validating to feel respected for more than just the dancing portion of the career, and that has been so rewarding for me over the years. The confidence of winning again each year really has helped me develop.
Being a Studio Director, I had the chance to lead the training sessions for my dream team in Yorkville. Watching them apply the training this year was incredibly humbling and inspiring. You can learn so much more about something when you get a chance to teach it.
AML: What's your All-Star backstory?
SOW: All-Stars is an incredible program that has taught me to be the kind of Arthur Murray Professional that I am today. When I walked into my first room in Vegas all those years ago, I was a terrified Specialist standing in front of a panel of people I didn't know.
Now, the program has evolved into group scenarios which are a much more realistic portrayal of studio life.
Placing runner-up in the world for teacher in Vegas was probably one of my most crowning achievements as an AM Professional. It stands out in my mind, over any of the dance championships or awards I've received.
It really does mean a lot to me. I hope to be sitting on the panel for All-Star one day and help develop the training releases.
AML: What will it mean to you if your team wins it all this year?
SOW: Everything! Last year, I wished we placed higher and like I said, the highest I've ever made it was runner-up! So I think it's time for a championship win! And the people on my team this year are just outstanding. I want to go in there and do the best job I can to represent them! Go dream team Area 4!
AML: Who are some people who helped you get to this point?
SOW: Lisa Maclaggan, my franchisee is such an inspirational woman to me. She has given me the freedom to try new things, make mistakes and learn from them, all the while providing incredible training each week.
I've had the change to work with so many great coaches and trainers out there over the years, and I try to suck their knowledge dry when I can! Shout outs to Kimberly Carroll. Lola Valair, TJ Lacy, Chris Lynam, Juan De Dios Garcia, Amy Novotny, Brian Stuart, and Chia Chia Ling.
Also, my AM Yorkville team! I work with a staff that is not afraid to take chances and try something new. I hold them with such deep respect for their professionalism and their passion for what we do. They never stop learning!
AML: Last question: what does this mean to you? What makes it special?
SOW: We each have things that set us apart from the pack. Some people are world-class competitors, some are certified examiners, and others are incredible teachers.
I think inspiring people to become the best versions of themselves is something that I've learned to do. Being recognized over the years for my ability to connect with people, and problem solve in difficult situations, means more to me than most people will ever know because it's validation that I'm impacting people's lives every day.
The fact that this year I'm paired with such an outstanding team of qualified, intelligent, enthusiastic individuals just makes the entire experience a milestone for me.
Onwards to Vegas! Charge!
Never miss an article! Become an Arthur Murray Live subscriber and receive all our best articles direct to your inbox.
